CMOS Checksum Error. HELP!!!

photoshop · 7 Oct 2008 at 19:03

Hi

I have an Abit Fatality F-190HD motherboard paired with an E2140 and Geil 2GB (2x1Gb) Ram. The computer works fine when its plugged in at the mains but not "On" (kind of like on standby).

But when i switch it Off at the mains (so there is ZERO power going to it at all) and then turn turn it On at the mains and press the "on" button i get a "CMOS Checksum Error" on the first screen and i have to go into the BIOS and load all my settings again or settle for the default settings!

This only happens when there is no power at all going to the PC. Once i've reloaded my settings in the BIOS it works fine and i can turn the PC off and ON and it will work fine.Its just when its off at the mains that i get this problem.

After doing some research, im under the impression that my CMOS battery is on the way out and thats why the settings dont get saved. Is this correct?

Will clearing the CMOS help or is it defo the battery that i need to replace?

RJC · 7 Oct 2008 at 19:07

Yep, I would say that your battery is on it's way out.
Do you have a spare board you can borrow a battery from.

ron3003 · 7 Oct 2008 at 19:15

The battery's flat. The pc is actually 'clearing cmos' itself everytime you disconnect the mains as there's no battery life left to store your settings.
You can buy a battery at any big supermarket, dont need a specialist computer store. Take the old battery out as it's dead anyway to check the number (most likely cr2032) so as you get the right replacement.

photoshop · 7 Oct 2008 at 19:33

ron3003 said:
The battery's flat. The pc is actually 'clearing cmos' itself everytime you disconnect the mains as there's no battery life left to store your settings.
You can buy a battery at any big supermarket, dont need a specialist computer store. Take the old battery out as it's dead anyway to check the number (most likely cr2032) so as you get the right replacement.

Yep its a CR2032 and i've ordered one online for £1.00!

How do i take the old battery out? It looks like its bolted on to the mobo?

I thikn in the meantime im better off at not turning the power off at the mains.

ron3003 · 7 Oct 2008 at 19:58

Just pop a small flathead screwdriver down between the spring clip and the edge of the battery like this
http://www.technibble.com/articlecontent/2007/12/remove-bios-battery.jpg
The carrier stays attached to the motherboard, only the battery comes away.

photoshop · 7 Oct 2008 at 20:09

ron3003 said:
Just pop a small flathead screwdriver down between the spring clip and the edge of the battery like this
http://www.technibble.com/articlecontent/2007/12/remove-bios-battery.jpg
The carrier stays attached to the motherboard, only the battery comes away.

Thanks